Hello,
I’ve only recently found these forums, and I’m impressed with the information found on them. So, I wanted to make my first post something informative.
One key point to remember is that in business, as in family and friendship, it is the relationships you build that will stand the test of time. Most businesses thrive on repeat customers and close relationships with suppliers and professional associates.
One relatively inexpensive way to do that is to send out cards both during the holidays and other times during the year. Another plus to it is that your clients do not feel as though you are “selling” to them. Some things to note:
1. Written Messages Stand out. Handwritten notes, in today’s text-message-and-email world, have tremendous impact. A handwritten note says you value the recipient enough to take a break from your computer and focus your attention wholly on them.
2. If you’re going to send cards, send quality cards. A cheap, generic card, sent unsigned with a computer generated mailing label will almost certainly be seen as “junk mail”, but a quality card, hand signed and hand addressed, perhaps with a short hand written inscription inside, will almost certainly cause people to remember you and your business in a positive way. Buy the best quality card you can afford: it is a small detail that has a tremendous impact.
3. Thank yous are key. This goes back to the point of building relationships with your clients or fellow business partners. Handwritten thank you notes are one of those small details that are remembered in a positive way. If your business is not one to send thank yous on a regular basis, you may consider using your holiday card mailing as a chance to thank your customers and business associates for their business and time in the previous year.
4. Take the time to sign your cards. You should always hand sign your greeting cards, regardless of what information is pre-printed on them. Again, it is the ‘personal’ touch that makes the difference.
5. Take the time to learn about your clients. If possible, find out what faith they follow for holiday card mailings, and when their birthday or anniversary is for another appropriate time to reach them. I have found that this more than anything can really make your business stand out to a client: with so many businesses opting only to go the politically correct “Holiday card route”, people really notice and appreciate when you send out a card appropriate to their faith.
Anyway, I really enjoy the forums. I hope you’ve found this helpful.